Medigap vs Plan G
Medigap (Medicare Supplement) and Medigap Plan G solve the same problem in different ways. Medigap policies supplement Original Medicare by covering much of its cost sharing — deductibles, copays, and coinsurance — so you get highly predictable costs and can see any provider that accepts Medicare nationwide, with no networks. Plans are standardized by letter (e.g. Plan G, Plan N), so the difference between carriers for the same letter is price and service. Medigap does not include drug coverage, so you add a standalone Part D plan. By contrast, Medigap Plan G is a standardized supplement that works with Original Medicare to cover most Part A and B cost-sharing, typically leaving the Part B deductible as your main residual cost in current designs for new beneficiaries. Below we compare them on cost, coverage, eligibility, and who each one fits best — with sources you can check.
| Factor | Medigap | Plan G |
|---|---|---|
| Typical monthly cost | Approx. $120-$300/mo depending on plan letter, age, and state | Approx. $100-$250/mo depending on age, state, and tobacco status |
| Relative cost | $$· | $$$ |
| Category | Medicare option | Medicare option |
| Is it insurance? | Yes | Yes |
| ACA-compliant major medical | Yes | No |
| Covers pre-existing conditions | Yes | Varies |
| Eligibility | Best bought during your Medigap Open Enrollment window (no health questions then). | Guaranteed issue during Medigap open enrollment in most cases. |
| Best for | People who want predictable costs; Frequent travelers; Those who want any-provider access | Travelers wanting nationwide access; People who want predictable costs |
Medigap
Medigap policies supplement Original Medicare by covering much of its cost sharing — deductibles, copays, and coinsurance — so you get highly predictable costs and can see any provider that accepts Medicare nationwide, with no networks. Plans are standardized by letter (e.g. Plan G, Plan N), so the difference between carriers for the same letter is price and service. Medigap does not include drug coverage, so you add a standalone Part D plan.
Pros
- Predictable out-of-pocket costs
- Any Medicare provider, no network
- Standardized plans
Cons
- Higher premium than most Advantage plans
- No drug coverage
- Medical underwriting outside open enrollment
Plan G
Medigap Plan G is a standardized supplement that works with Original Medicare to cover most Part A and B cost-sharing, typically leaving the Part B deductible as your main residual cost in current designs for new beneficiaries.
Pros
- Predictable coverage
- Nationwide Medicare access
- Standardized benefits
Cons
- Higher premium than many Advantage plans
- No extras like dental/vision built in
- Underwriting may apply outside OE
Frequently asked questions
- Is Medigap or Plan G cheaper?
- Medigap typically has the lower monthly cost (approx. $120-$300/mo depending on plan letter, age, and state), while Plan G runs higher (approx. $100-$250/mo depending on age, state, and tobacco status). The cheaper option is not automatically better — weigh the coverage trade-offs below.
- What is the main difference between Medigap and Plan G?
- A private policy that pays Original Medicare’s out-of-pocket costs for predictable bills nationwide. Popular Medigap letter covering most Original Medicare cost-sharing.
- Can I switch between Medigap and Plan G?
- Often yes, though timing rules apply. Comprehensive insurance changes usually happen during Open Enrollment or a Special Enrollment Period, so check the enrollment window before you switch.
Sources
- Medicare.gov — the official U.S. government Medicare site · reviewed 2026-01-15
- OLYRON HealthMatch editorial methodology — how we source and rate options · reviewed 2026-01-15
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